On this page we review what I believe to be the best suitcase with soft sides. There are a whole range of these available from all of the leading luggage brands. I have picked out what I think are the best.
These cover a wide range of prices. Hopefully you will be able to find one to suit your budget. As you may be aware, there are primarily two types of suitcases available on the market. These will either be those with a soft fabric, or the hard shell types. The advantage of the soft suitcases is that they will always be lighter. With luggage allowances ever reducing, owning a soft sided suitcase, will allow you to pack in some extra clothes, shoes or general bits and pieces.
Imagine a suitcase that bends with the bumps, flexes with your needs, and weighs as light as a feather. A suitcase that glides silently by your side, effortlessly accommodating your every packing whim. Sounds too good to be true? It's not. Welcome to the future of luggage, where soft meets strength, and convenience reigns supreme.
It is also worth mentioning that you can buy soft sided cases in a set of 2 or more. In this article we are just reviewing the single cases. However if you prefer to look at soft sided suitcase sets, then please click here, where we have reviewed those in detail.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Soft-Side Suitcase
Know your weight and size limits! Airlines have specific size restrictions for both cabin and checked luggage. Choosing the right size ensures smooth airport navigation and avoids unexpected fees. Here's a little help with that:
- Cabin-Approved -Keep it compact! Typically measuring 22" x 14" x 9" or less, these suitcases fit neatly under airplane seats.
- Check-In Size - Maximise your packing potential! Suitcases ranging from 24" to 32" are ideal for longer trips or multiple travelers.
- Large Size - Perfect for extended stays or group travel, these 32"+ monsters offer ample space for all your needs.
Material & Durability
- Nylon - Affordable and lightweight, nylon offers decent water resistance but might lack sturdiness.
- Polyester - Similar to nylon in weight and price, polyester boasts better abrasion resistance but lower water protection.
- Ballistic Nylon - The best for durability. Ballistic nylon is water-resistant, tear-resistant, and holds up beautifully to rough handling.
Features & Functionality
- Wheels and Maneuverability - Spinner wheels are your best friend. Multi-directional movement lets you glide through crowds and tight spaces with minimal effort.
- Packing Organisation - Stay organised! Internal compartments, compression straps, and pouches help you pack efficiently and maximize space.
- Security Features - Travel with peace of mind! TSA locks allow airport security to inspect your luggage without damaging it, while integrated locks and anti-theft zippers offer additional protection.
- Additional Features - I would recommend looking for expandability for extra packing flexibility, external pockets for quick access to essentials, laundry bags for dirty clothes, or even laptop compartments for work-on-the-go travelers.
- Brand & Warranty - Invest in quality! Reputable brands like Samsonite, Briggs & Riley, and Antler offer superior construction and reliable warranties.
The perfect soft-sided suitcase is really finding the balance of your needs and priorities. By considering these key factors above, you'll be packing and rolling into your next holiday much better informed.
Top Picks for Best Soft Side Suitcases UK 2024
Underneath we have listed what we believe to be the top rated suitcases, with soft sides, that are currently available in the UK. These are available in a very wide range of prices, sizes, colours, styles and brands.
They range from the very cheap to the very expensive. Most people will buy one or more of these, when they take their annual holiday.
As travel is now more affordable, some fortunate people are now able to take advantage of more than one holiday a year. For those in that lucky position, they may want to consider buying a slightly better quality set of suitcase, as they will last longer.
Check In Soft Sided Luggage
Best Overall Soft Sided Suitcase - Samsonite Base Boost Spinner
This is a huge best seller online from the very well known Samsonite brand
It is available in black, navy blue, petrol blue, grey, red and Fluo red
This is a Spinner expandable and is classed as a large suitcase which is suitable for a two week trip
It measures 48 x 31/34 x 78 cm - has a capacity of105/112.5 Litres - and weighs 3.1 kg
There is an expandability feature on check-in sizes
It comes fitted with a TSA Lock on all sizes for secure and stress free travel
It has of course the distinctive metal logo, pullers and plead caps on the front pocket
Check Amazon UK for Availability. Average UK Price £160
Best Large Soft Sided Suitcase - Eastpak Tranverz L Suitcase
This is available in a wide range of colours
It measures Height: 44 cm, Width: 31 cm, Depth: 25 cm and has a capacity of 121 litres
Made from 100 Percent polyester fabric with contrasting tan trims
Take it anywhere: Trolley handle and padded bottom for carrying your books
Comfy quilted back with shaped padded shoulder straps
Check Amazon UK for Availability. Average UK Price £135
It has a spacious main compartment that leaves ample space to stow your belongings, supported by compression straps for volume control. It is fitted with a TSA combination lock. It also has two zip fastening pockets, complete with belt straps to hold your belongings in place. It can even be flat-packed away between uses. A telescopic handle, a pair of top and side handles and a smooth wheeling system allows the Tranverz L to glide across any surface.
Cabin Sized Soft Sided Luggage
Best Overall Cabin Approved Soft Side Suitcase - KEPLIN Lightweight Travel Bag
This case has a nice style and has an average RRP of around £20 making it very good value for money. It is a lightweight case at 1.7 kg and has a very strong construction.
It has been designed to fit in most airlines overhead compartments. It measures 44 cm x 32 cm x 18 cm.
It's made from a combination of durable nylon and polyester material which maintains a good balance between lightweight and firmness.
Check Amazon UK for Availability. Average UK Price £20
It also has a telescopic handle. Most buyers state that the wheels on this case are great. Overall UK buyers like the weight, size, colour options and portability of the suitcase.
Best Budget Soft-Sided Cabin Suitcase - IN TRAVEL Cabin Luggage Suitcase
This case has a really nice style and has an average RRP of around £16 making it one of the most affordable on the UK market. It is a lightweight case at 1.5 kg and is very well made.
This lightweight carry on is cabin approved for most major airlines including British Airways, Ryanair, Emirates, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, and other major airlines It measures H:50cm W:35cm D:20cm with a 44 litre capacity.
It's made from from durable Twill Polyester.
Check Amazon UK for Availability. Average UK Price £20
It has two rigid easy rolling wheels and an extendable handle that extends up to 1.2 meters making it easier to roll through the airport in style.
Best Lightweight Soft Sided Suitcase - 5 Cities Carry On Cabin Approved Trolley Bag
This is available in a few colour variations
It measures Height: 44 cm, Width: 31 cm, Depth: 25 cm and has a capacity of 121 litres
Made from 100 Percent polyester fabric with contrasting tan trims
Take it anywhere: Trolley handle and padded bottom for carrying your books
Comfy quilted back with shaped padded shoulder straps
Check Amazon UK for Availability. Average UK Price £135
It has a spacious main compartment that leaves ample space to stow your belongings, supported by compression straps for volume control. It is fitted with a TSA combination lock. It also has two zip fastening pockets, complete with belt straps to hold your belongings in place. It can even be flat-packed away between uses. A telescopic handle, a pair of top and side handles and a smooth wheeling system allows the Tranverz L to glide across any surface.
Best Stylish Soft-Sided Suitcase - Lily Bloom 20" Exp Spinner Luggage
This is a 20" cabin luggage from the high end Lily Bloom brand
It measures 50.8 x 35.56 x 20.32 cm and weighs 3.53 Kg
As you can see it is made from a cotton canvas exterior with a vibrant signature design
It has 360 spinner wheels for ease of use, and uses a telescopic push button handle system
It has 2 front zippered compartments and a top carry handle.
Check Amazon UK for Availability. Average UK Price £160
Advantages of Buying a Soft Side Suitcase
There are a number of advantages of buying a soft side case rather than a hard side suitcase. We have explained those below for a better understanding.
Better Price
If you compare like for like cases a soft sided will be cheaper than a hard case. So for example a 20" case from a brand like Cabin Max, their soft model will be cheaper to buy than their hard case equivalent.
More Flexibility
Hard cases have a very small amount of flexibility. So even though they are more sturdy, this hardness also means they can not be squeezed into over head lockers or under seats in an aircraft. Soft cases are more flexible and can be maneuvered into tight spots.
Lighter
If you compare like for like cases a soft sided will be lighter than a hard case. So for example a 20" case from a brand like Cabin Max, their soft model will be lighter than their hard case equivalent.
